Care Giver Burnout

The demands of caregiving for a loved one can be overwhelming. Caregiver burnout is the state of emotional, mental and social exhaustion often accompanied with a rollercoaster ride of highs and lows.

Being a burnt out caregiver, it is tough to do almost anything. And this doesn’t mean just doing anything for your loved one but it is tough to do almost anything for yourself. In most circumstances the constant stress results in exhaustion, self neglect, anxiety and depression. The burnout is brought on by many reasons, such as;

Unrealistic Expectations: Many caregivers expect their help to have a positive impact, resulting in better health and happiness of the patient. However, most patients suffer from progressing diseases meaning you may never reach your goals that you have for the patient and their progression.

Role Confusion: This is actually a more common occurrence than you may first realize. When getting thrusted into a role of a caregiver, it’s hard to separate your role of a spouse, family member or friend. Creating difficult emotional and mental issues.

Lack of Resources: Many caregivers become frustrated or down on themselves and the situations when they place goals they do not have the commodities (money, skill, resources, etc.) to reach.

Although these are just a few, burnout can result in many symptoms;

Feeling resent, irritable, helpless and hopeless.

A change in appetite, loss of weight

Changes in sleep pattern

Getting easily sick/ New or worsening health problems

Unable to function properly

Neglecting own needs

A burnout is a common occurrence in caregiving. It affects you, your family and your patient. A home health professional can avoid you from reaching this point or help you back on your feet.

Home health care can be there when you aren’t able to be. It’s hard to give your near undivided attention to someone when you have other responsibilities. Stretching yourself too thin can, of course, aid to your burn out.

Home health care support diet and nutrition. Going along with the last point, knowledgeable nutritional counseling helps protect loved ones from malnutrition.

Health care professional provide companionship. They help with social interaction and a somewhat active lifestyle. Sometimes frustration and discouragement builds when you see someone you love struggling and remember them once strong and healthy. Home health care professionals usually do not know the patient beforehand, meaning they only know them in their struggling state. They care and want to help but do not get overwhelmed when progression may be slow or non-existent as opposed to the feelings of a discouraged family member.

Home health care is such an affordable alternative to facility or hospital care, not only in price range but also when it comes to your mental and physical health. It can be just the support you or someone you know needs, to help manage caregiving responsibilities.